TV star Vernon Kay drives Formula E car

TV’s Vernon Kay has been allowed behind the wheel of DS Virgin Racing’s all-electric Formula E car at Rockingham Motor Speedway.

“I’m one hell of a lucky man,” said Vernon, who presents coverage of the FIA Formula E Championship on Channel 5.

“Why? Because the DS Virgin Racing team and their star driver Sam Bird have agreed to let me drive one of their stunning, all-electric Formula E cars. Are they bonkers?”

The 44-year-old, who’s 6ft 5in, squeezed into the cockpit of the state-of-the-art single-seater, which can reach speeds of up to 140mph.

DS Virgin Racing is one of the founding and leading teams in the electric street racing series, which is currently mid-way through its fourth season.